Up-to-date information on the Coronavirus situation

Let’s start with the good news: the number of new infections in Austria is continuing to decrease. This encouraging development can be attributed to the swift implementation of extensive measures by the Austrian government and the discipline of the Austrian people. One of these measures is the obligatory use of face-masks in supermarkets. As of April 14th, when smaller shops will once again be able to open their doors, the use of face-masks will also be compulsory in these stores and in all means of public transport.

Austria has issued clear guidelines on when and how public life will be able to restart. By the end of April, a decision will be made to define the date for the re-opening of the service sector. The objective is to ensure a gradual re-opening starting in mid-May. Events can only be held once we get towards the end of June – something to look forward to! At the beginning of May, the Austrian government is going to decide how to proceed with the summer of 2020.

Be positive and stay healthy!

Air traffic

Innsbruck Airport and Salzburg Airport are closed for regular air traffic. Austrian Airlines has suspended regular air traffic completely. Please refer to your airline to obtain information on the status of your planned flight.

Train services

Passenger train services between Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland and the Czech Republic are suspended. Railway connections between Austria and Germany are reduced and completely suspended between Tyrol and Germany. Train service within Austria is increasingly thinned out.

Up-to-date information of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)

Border controls

Currently, Austria is carrying out border controls on the borders to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Hungary and Slovenia. Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary control their borders and have issued their own entry restrictions. Please refer to the respective authorities for further information.

Entry into Austria

People travelling from Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Hungary and Slovenia to Austria are obligated to produce a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry. Without the certificate, entry will be denied. Transiting the Austrian territory without stopover is permitted. Third country nationals, who have visited a COVID-19 high risk area within 14 days before travelling, are also obligated to carry a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test result. The certificate cannot be older than 4 days when entering Austria.

Countries are considered high-risk areas if an active travel warning concerning the Coronavirus is in place. All countries are considered such areas by the Austrian authorities, a stage 4 travel warning has therefore been issued for the whole world.
Furthermore, full (stage 6) or partial travel warnings (stage 5) have been issued for many countries around the globe. Up-to-date information on all travel warnings can be found on the website of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

In case of a suspected COVID-19 infection, people travelling to Austria or transiting the country are obligated to undergo the necessary medical examination.

Issue of visas

The Austrian embassies and consulates around the globe are currently not issuing any visas.

Closure of skiing areas

All Austrian skiing areas are closed.

Accommodation

Accommodation facilities are closed for tourism. Exceptions are made for lodging establishments that cater to key employees such as people working in the food trade industry or aid organization staff.
Until the end of April, the situation will be monitored closely with the objective of facilitating a gradual re-opening starting the middle of May.

Quarantined areas

The Paznaun Valley, St. Anton and Sölden in Tyrol are quarantined. In Salzburg this goes for all the municipalities in the Gastein valley, the Großarl valley and the municipalities Flachau, Altenmarkt, Zell am See and Saalbach.

Restrictions for gastronomy and trade

Currently, only shops that supply essential services are open: food trade, pharmacies, banks and post offices.
In shops larger than 400 m², wearing a facemask is compulsory. As of April 14th, small shops, handicraft businesses as well as DIY stores and garden centers are allowed to re-open under specific conditions. From this day on, wearing a face mask (which covers mouth and nose) will be compulsory in all shops as well as in public transport. Mouth/nose protection can either be a surgical mask, a home-made mask or a scarf.
As of May 1^st, following strict rules, all trade shops as well as hair salons may re-open. Gastronomical businesses remain closed until further notice – take away or delivery services are permitted. The objective is a gradual re-opening starting the middle of May – this remains, however, dependent on the assessment of the situation at the end of April.

Event restrictions

Sports grounds, playgrounds and other public meeting places are closed. For the time being, all events are prohibited until the end of June 2020. No more than five people should gather in one place at the same time.The Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Regions and Tourism provides up to date information on these regulations on their website.

Closed institutions

The Federal Government prohibits gatherings of more than 5 people. Hence, recreational facilities and attractions such as museums, castles, theatres, operas and others are currently closed.
The websites of the respective establishments provide up-to-date information regarding the current status.

Local public transport

Currently, there are no restrictions in place regarding public transport (metro, bus and tram services) in Austria. As of April 14^th, wearing mouth/nose protection will be compulsory in all public transport options. This protection can be a surgical mask, a home-made mask or a scarf.

Cancellation of trips

For question regarding cancellation terms, please refer directly to your accommodation or your tour operator.

Suspected infection

If you are showing symptoms or suspect to be infected with COVID-19, absolutely avoid gatherings of people and public transport. Please quarantine yourself and call the public health hotline 1450 for further instructions.

Further information

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
World Health Organization Europe
Coronavirus Information of the Ministry of Health